Surviving the 20th Century

(CULTURE)

An interview with Alex Ciaravolo of 20th Century Graduates.

- Interview, Thalea Hurren.

20th Century Graduates are the fresh new darlings of Adelaide’s indie scene. Alex Ciaravolo from the band gives us a few quick facts about the best-educated band in town.

20th Century Graduates, what’s with the name?

We were kicking around ideas for a while, and Jeremy just came up with this little number. I’m not too sure if there’s any intended significance, but I like to think that it means we’ve survived something and are ready to take on whatever challenge is ahead.

Your personal contribution to the band?

I’m guitarist and back-up vocalist. Oooh, and I play a keyboard part for about ten seconds in one song. Jeremy is the main songwriter, but we all throw in ideas here and there so I suppose I can put ‘songwriter’ on my CV, too.

Best 20CG song we should listen to ASAP?

Tough question – I like ’em all quite equally. Which is very different from other bands I’ve been in where I’ve hated some songs. I’d say ‘Little Red Romance’ could possibly be the pick of the litter, and might end up being our first single when we get to that stage…

Inspiration comes from…

Life in general, really: waking up and feeling good, waking up and feeling shit, picking up a guitar and finding a new little lick, hearing an awesome new song for the first time and getting excited.

Who’s the parental figure of the group?

Well, despite him being a couple of years younger than me, Jeremy is our fearless leader. He pretty much runs the show and we rally around him when other bands try to beat us up. We always win those fights, too, because there are 7 of us when we’re in full flight.

And the alco/druggie/general ratbag of the group?

It’s gotta be Jon [bass player]. He won’t even be offended at me saying that. Which is just another reason why it has to be Jon.

A good gig starts with…

Lots of friends coming along to check us out and a little song we like to call ‘Misery Jane’.

And ends with…

‘us staring at our shoes’ [that’s a lyrical reference, y’all].